SOCIAL AND SPATIAL SEGREGATION IN ALPINE IBEX (CAPRA-IBEX) IN BARGY, FRENCH ALPS

Outside the rut, a gradual social and spatial segregation was observed between the sexes as male Alpine ibex (Capra ibex) aged. In addition, males joined similar-age peer groups and segregated spatially as the age difference increased. The patterns varied seasonally, influenced b y biological and ecological events. During the rut, males and females intermingled and used greatly overlapping ranges. Males greater than o r equal to 9 years first left female groups bur social and spacial seg regation were not complete until May. Younger males shifted to male gr oups more gradually. Females and males over 2 years of age used almost exclusive ranges in summer and early autumn. Social grouping and rang e overlap between ibex classes were correlated outside the rut. Groupi ng and spatial overlap between young and old males were negatively rel ated to association with females.